To style a ceramic floor lamp in a reading corner, place it just behind and to one side of your chair so light falls over your shoulder onto the page, with the bottom of the shade at roughly seated eye level. Choose a fabric shade that diffuses light and a warm white bulb bright enough for reading. Then let the ceramic base bring colour and texture to the corner, repeating its glaze in a cushion, a throw or the spines of books on nearby shelves. Keep the corner simple: a chair, the lamp, a small table and a place for books.<\/p>\n
Ceramic is a good material for a reading lamp because it adds a sense of craft to a quiet, personal space. Our modern floor lamps UK<\/a> collection includes ceramic bases in a range of glazes, from soft creams to deeper earthy shades, alongside other materials so you can compare styles.<\/p>\n Good reading light has three qualities. It is bright enough to see text comfortably, it falls on the page rather than in your eyes, and it is warm enough to feel relaxing. A ceiling light rarely achieves all three, because it lights the whole room from above and casts your shadow onto the book.<\/p>\n A floor lamp beside the chair solves this. It brings light down to the level of the page and lets you leave other lights low. When planning the corner, it helps to think of the lamp as one part of the room’s overall lighting. Our modern lighting UK<\/a> range includes wall and table lights that can complement a floor lamp without competing with it.<\/p>\n The shade should sit so that its lower edge is roughly at your eye level when seated. For most armchairs, that means a lamp around 150 to 165 centimetres tall. If the shade is lower, you may see the bulb. If it is higher, the light may not reach the page.<\/p>\n Tapered and empire shades direct more light downward, which suits reading. Drum shades spread light more evenly and suit corners that double as relaxing spots. A shade with a white or cream lining reflects more light onto the page.<\/p>\n Ceramic bases are often quite substantial. In a small corner, check the diameter of the base fits alongside the chair and table. A slim ceramic column takes up less space than a rounded vase shape.<\/p>\n The traditional advice is to place a reading lamp slightly behind the chair, on the side opposite the hand you use to turn pages, so light comes over your shoulder. In practice, many people simply put it on whichever side is nearer a socket or the wall. What matters most is that the light falls on the page and not into your eyes.<\/p>\n Sit in the chair with a book before deciding on the final position. Move the lamp a little forward or back until the light falls evenly across the page without casting your shadow over it. If the corner is used by more than one person, choose a position that works for whoever reads there most.<\/p>\n The chair is the anchor of a reading corner. It should be comfortable to sit in for an hour or more, with good back support and arms at a height that suits holding a book. Our lounge chairs UK sale<\/a> collection includes armchairs and chaise designs that work well in reading corners. Choose an upholstery colour that sits comfortably with the lamp’s glaze, either matching tones or deliberately contrasting.<\/p>\n A reading corner looks best with books close by. A low bookcase beside the chair, or tall shelves on the wall behind, makes the corner feel complete and practical. Our modern bookcases UK<\/a> range includes compact and tall designs to suit different spaces. The lamp also lights the shelves, which helps you find what you want to read next.<\/p>\n A small side table, a stool or even a wide shelf beside the chair gives you somewhere for a cup, glasses and the book you are not reading at that moment. Keep it within easy reach without stretching.<\/p>\n A throw over the chair arm and a cushion for lumbar support make the corner more comfortable. A small rug underfoot defines the space, particularly if the corner is part of a larger room.<\/p>\n Ceramic lamps come in an enormous range of glazes. For a calm reading corner, think about colours that are restful rather than stimulating.<\/p>\n Repeating the glaze colour once or twice nearby, perhaps in a cushion and a plant pot, helps the lamp feel part of the scheme.<\/p>\n Reading needs a little more light than general relaxing. A warm white LED bulb around 2700K to 3000K is comfortable for most readers. If you find warm light too dim for print, try a slightly brighter bulb rather than a cooler one. A dimmable bulb is useful if the corner is also used for relaxing or listening to music. Check the maximum wattage on the lamp and use a bulb within that limit.<\/p>\nWhat a Reading Corner Needs From a Lamp<\/h3>\n
Choosing a Ceramic Lamp for Reading<\/h3>\n
Height<\/h3>\n
Shade shape<\/h3>\n
Base size<\/h3>\n
Positioning the Lamp<\/h3>\n
Styling Around the Lamp<\/h3>\n
The chair<\/h3>\n
Books and shelving<\/h3>\n
A small surface<\/h3>\n
Softness<\/h3>\n
Choosing a Glaze to Suit the Room<\/h3>\n
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Bulbs and Brightness for Reading<\/h3>\n